5 WAYS YOU CAN MAKE YOUR HOME MORE MINDFUL

According to Psychology Today, Mindfulness is a ‘state of active, open attention on the present. When you're mindful, you carefully observe your thoughts and feelings without judging them good or bad. Instead of letting your life pass you by, mindfulness means living in the moment and awakening to your current experience, rather than dwelling on the past or anticipating the future’.

It has been proved to make you happier, and even healthier, and is practiced anywhere from primary schools to company retreats.

We have looked at ways you can align your home or work place with this practice, so it feels calm and serene and allows you to get on and deal with your busy lives.

Here are a few tips on how create a more mindful home:

1. DE-CLUTTER

As William Morris so wisely said 'Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful". So de-clutter and let your favourite statement chair shine:

Photo credit: Selina Lauck

2. LET THERE BE LIGHT

Natural light provides us with Vitamin D, which in turn supports a healthy immune system, helps us sleep better and enhances out mood. If your home is quite dark you can switch bulbs to ones that mimic daylight (avoid fluorescent ones at all costs as they can make you feel depressed and anxious according to studies) and it is a good idea to install dimmers in living areas and bedrooms to help you wind down gently at the end of the day.

Photo credit: Simon Bossi

3. NATURAL MATERIALS + MUTED COLOURS

Fill your home with natural materials, tactile textures and muted colours for an overall feeling of calm. Use surfaces such as lime wash walls, unfinished wood, rattan and linen. The house is Mykonos by Block722architects+ sums up what we mean perfectly...

Photo credit: Est Living Magazine

4. SENSORY DETAILS

A glorious view, some driftwood you found on the beach, a piece of art you love, an artefact that has personal meaning, your favourite song. Psychologist Amy Wood says "your surrounding environment greatly influences your thoughts and feelings. Create your environment consciously to make your interior world as pleasant as possible.” We couldn't agree more.

Photo credit : Felix Forest

5. BOTANICALS

Studies have shown that just a few minutes outside can boost someone’s mood, which means that nature is integral to well-being. So why not bring nature in with house plants and fresh flowers. You can even treat caring for a plant as a daily exercise in mindfulness.